Lemon Grass

Lemon Grass is a fast-growing tropical herb known for its tall green leaves, thick stalks, and fresh lemon scent. Its lower stalks are commonly used in cooking, while the leaves can be harvested for herbal teas. In Southwest Florida, it grows well in sunny herb gardens, edible landscape beds, raised planters, and large outdoor containers. Botanically known as Cymbopogon citratus, this is a tropical perennial grass commonly grown for culinary use. It typically reaches 3–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, forming dense clumps of long, narrow green leaves. New stalks develop from the base, allowing established plants to expand and produce repeated harvests.​

​This herb grows best in full sun and prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. At least six hours of direct sunlight daily supports strong leaf and stalk production. Lemon Grass grows well in Southwest Florida's warm climate but benefits from good drainage during periods of heavy summer rainfall.​

​For garden planting, space Lemon Grass approximately 3–4 feet apart to allow mature clumps to expand. Its upright leaves make it suitable for the back of herb gardens, sunny edible borders, and raised planting beds. Container-grown plants need spacious pots with drainage holes to accommodate their developing roots and stalks.​

​Newly planted Lemon Grass requires regular watering while its roots become established. Established clumps grow best with consistent moisture during active growth, especially when producing new stalks. Water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry. Container plants may require more frequent watering during Southwest Florida's hot, dry season.​

​Lemon Grass produces thick, pale lower stalks with a citrus flavor commonly used in soups, curries, marinades, and other cooked dishes. Mature outer stalks can be harvested near the base while younger center shoots remain growing. The long, lemon-scented leaves can also be harvested for herbal teas. Regular harvesting encourages the use of mature stalks while allowing new growth to develop.​

​This grass grows quickly during warm weather and benefits from occasional feeding with compost or fertilizer suitable for edible herbs. Remove dry or damaged leaves as needed, and divide crowded clumps during warm weather to maintain productive growth. Established plants can provide repeated harvests throughout much of the year. Frost may damage the foliage, so container plants should be protected during freezing temperatures.​

​

Why You'll Love It​

Fresh Stalks for Cooking: Produces thick, citrus-flavored lower stalks commonly used in soups, curries, marinades, and Southeast Asian recipes.​

Leaves for Herbal Tea: Long, lemon-scented leaves can be harvested and prepared for homemade herbal teas.​

Fast-Growing, Productive Clumps: Develops new stalks from the base during warm weather, allowing repeated harvesting from established plants.​

Edible Plant With Landscape Height: Reaches 3–5 feet tall, providing upright greenery in herb gardens while supplying fresh ingredients for cooking.​

Sun Requirements: Grows best in full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily supporting strong stalk and leaf production.​

Water Needs: Prefers consistent moisture during active growth. Water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry, especially during hot, dry weather.​

Mature Size: Approximately 3–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, with clumps expanding as additional stalks develop.​

Best Uses: Culinary herb gardens, outdoor kitchen gardens, edible landscape beds, large patio containers, sunny garden borders, and raised herb beds.​